Tag Archives: community college

I always told myself that I would not let the freshman fifteen happen to me. I scoffed at the people who had a hard time staying the same size out of high school. Then, I actually started college, and every thought about staying healthy flew out the window.

Taking around five classes a semester, working almost full time, and trying to maintain a social life wrecked havoc on my diet. It was quick snacks at the cafe, fast food on my way to work from class, and going out to eat with my friends and family. My fridge had water and some milk for cereal. My cupboards had nothing but chips and some bread. The freshman fifteen was hot on my heels and I could feel every pound. I felt so out of shape, getting out of breath just walking around on campus in between my classes.

It was how I felt so physically unfit that finally caused me to take action and fight the freshman fifteen. I was tired of feeling this way and decided that I needed to make some serious changes with my activity and diet.

I started with packing my lunch for school and work. Anything you bring from home can be a whole lot better for you than greasy food from a drive thru. I still have chips and candy but I also try to balance with some healthier options like wheat bread and fruit. I make a lot of meals at home and take leftovers for lunch.

As for the exercise, I just started taking it one day at a time. My fiancé got me a Fitbit for Christmas and I love it. It really motivates me to keep moving throughout my day. I started out small, only attempting to hit 5000 steps a day and before long I was hitting my goal half way through the day. So I bumped it up, and now I’m getting at least 10000 steps a day. I also started going to the gym at least one day a week after school.

These changes may not help everyone but they definitely have been helping me be a healthier version of myself. At the very least, it’s helped me walk up the hill from the Health Building to the parking lot without feeling like I’m going to die.

I have taken several online classes here at CCBC. I honestly really think that online classes are convenient, especially when working outside of school. Some of my friends don’t like online classes that much; they would rather be on campus in and actual classroom. It is really personal preference whether you like online classes or on campus classes better.

This semester, I’m taking two classes on campus and three online. With online classes, it is vital to make sure that you are keeping track of all the work that you have to do. You really want to check Blackboard regularly to see if your teachers have posted any updates or other assignments that you may have originally missed. I try to make a schedule of the week each Monday with all the assignments I have to do for each class and cross them off as I finish them. I find this to be super beneficial because I keep track of what I have done and what I still have left to do.

The only issue I have had with online classes is when taking exams, my internet sometimes kicks me off. When this happens, you are completely exited from the exam and can’t get back on to finish it. Basically, it submits it. After this happened to me two times, I decided to go on campus to the computer lab and take my exams there. I found this to be so much better- I never got kicked off when taking a test. So, if that ever happens to you when taking an online exam, then just try moving to the computer lab on campus.

You might just try taking an online class and seeing how you feel about it…who knows, you may just really like it!

I major in criminal justice here at CCBC, and in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve noticed something about our program…it is absolutely amazing. I say this without hyperbole and without exaggeration. The reason for my enthusiasm with the program is the quality of instructors leading those courses.

The classes I’ve taken so far have had a very engaging energy to them, and I attribute that to the learning environment the instructors foster. Rather than be a long drawn out lecture, classes have remain an open dialogue between teacher and student. A place where the history and implications of law enforcement are respectfully and intelligently debated.

Not only are these classes engaging the sheer level of information that instructors have is staggering. Each class is filled with interesting facts, case law, and personal anecdotes about the profession. Every aspect of it is fantastic.

I left high school around 2:20. It was a sunny and warm April day. When I got home, I noticed that I received mail from CCBC. I opened it to find a scholarship! I was so excited because I never even expected to receive any type of scholarship. I then learned that I would have to become a student ambassador because of the scholarship. That just meant that I would have to volunteer a total of 60 hours to keep my 2 year scholarship. After I learned that I received the scholarship, I knew that my experience at CCBC was going to be great!

I have loved being a student ambassador. First, we had an orientation, so I got to make new friends a month before school actually started. I also got to take a tour of the school at our orientation which was nice because it prepared me for the orientation of the entire freshman class. I also enjoyed volunteering at events because I was able to meet up with the other ambassadors and talk to them. Also, volunteering at different events allowed me to see some of the other programs that CCBC has to offer! Then, I also got to work with some of the CCBC staff. Working with the staff was great; in fact, they were always very helpful and friendly. I know that if I ever needed help, I could go to any of them. Over all, being a student ambassador was an amazing experience, and I am so thankful I was given the opportunity.

Don’t get me wrong, I love spring break. I love having a whole week where I don’t have to worry about studying, homework, clinical, or anything involving college. It’s amazing. It’s fun. It’s relaxing. You can only go so hard for so long. Everyone needs a break so they don’t burn out before the end of the semester. Spring break provides just that, allowing all students to refresh themselves.

But unfortunately, it only lasts a week. And then it’s back to the grind. If you’re like me, you find that it is really really REALLY hard to get back into the swing of things. It takes a while to get your brain, attitude, and work ethic back into school mode. In nursing school, you don’t have a lot of time to get back into the frame of mind. So I have compiled a few ideas on how to get things jump-started. 🙂

A few days before school starts again, look at your notes from before break. Refresh your mind on the information you were last taught.

Review your planner/schedule and make sure that there isn’t anything that is due the day you return. (That is the worst feeling when you come to school, everyone is talking about the assignment and you are standing there like “what assignment??”)

Make sure to go to bed at a decent time the night before so that you are rested and refreshed for the first day back.

These aren’t full proof and they may not help everyone, but they sure do help me prepare for the rest of the semester. Welcome back from spring break guys!